Tag Archives for " solar lease "

Leasing options are disappearing, and that’s a good thing

Don’t get us wrong – we aren’t ungrateful. Solar lease were a huge factor in today’s solar world. We can thank the solar lease, in large part, for the huge surge in residential solar’s popularity over the last 10 years. It solved the industry’s #1 issue – high cost. Leases allow homeowners to avoid any upfront payment and instead make small monthly payments to the installer/owner.

While we wouldn’t be where we are today without the solar lease, times have changed. Installation costs have dropped to the point where, for many, buying an installation outright is feasible.

And as solar has become more commonplace, banks and credit unions across the US are beginning to offer loans for solar installations, allowing homeowners to see the same perks as leases (no upfront costs) but retain ownership, enjoy all the tax breaks, and see higher savings.

In fact, since 2015 or so, solar leases have been in decline, with investing site The Motley Fool even proclaiming “the death of the solar lease.”

Why are solar leases scaring away potential home buyers? (and what to do about it)

We can credit leases (along with falling prices) for inciting solar’s popularity boom over the last 10 years. Unfortunately more often these days, a solar lease is scaring buyers away from purchasing a home with a solar installation. We decided to look into the history of leases and how they work to give buyers (and sellers) the information they need to make an informed choice.

Is financing becoming easier with the rapidly growing solar industry? Yes definitely, but there are a couple of things you should consider before signing a deal and our Solar Financing Comparison gives you a great overview.

If you live in a developed country, installing solar panels on your rooftop involves selecting a solar power company from a growing list of providers and setting up an appointment.

But this is far from the case for third-world countries.

Even if you’re only researching the theoretical principles of solar energy, it’s hard not to come across an ad shouting Solar Panels for Sale! when scouring the Internet, along with statistics and facts on how much solar energy can save you in the long run.

For instance, pulling up directories that list solar companies in each U.S. state is as easy as saying 1-2-3. Americans are offered tax reduction incentives, on top of getting closer to their goal of saving money and slashing their electricity bills.

To boot, even the environmentally conscious individual can feel good about purchasing and installing solar panels, knowing he is contributing, even minimally, to the reduction of carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere.

With solar energy cheaper than ever, plenty of homeowners are considering adding solar panels to their homes. However, solar systems can still be costly for many homeowners. For those who want to add solar panels to their house, it begs the question: should you lease the solar panels over a set period of time, or pay the cash upfront and own them once they’re installed?Continue reading

Net metering and the solar investment tax credit

Net metering, according to Michael J. Sandoval, research associate for the Independence Institute’s Energy Policy Center, is a gift funded by ratepayers that benefits solar companies like SolarCity. But the issue is larger than net metering, and has its roots in the Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, of 2006.

Originally drafted to benefit a wide array of electricity consumers, the 30 percent (investment) tax credit, or ITC, has since become the “sweet spot” for solar firms operating as leaseback entities, for tax equity investors, and for companies who install solar panels using federal, local or regional tax benefits that they can “swap” for additional credit. Originally written to expire at the end of 2008, the ITC – a part of HR6111, passed by the 109th “lame duck” Congress – now “steps down” to 10 percent at the beginning of 2017.Continue reading

How much do solar panels cost?

This is the question, but it’s the same as asking “how much do cars cost”? What kind do you want? How much do you want to save?

There are numerous factors that go into the cost of a solar array for your home, including the state you live in, the size of your electricity bill, the direction your roof faces (South vs. North), and so on.

But this is the primary reason why solar calculators have limited value: every additional factor that gets added in the calculator can dramatically change its accuracy. In many cases it’s going to be far more effective to get a qualified solar installer to review your details to come up with a hard cost estimate.

How long do solar panels last?

Many customers wonder about ‘new solar technology’, but actually the technology was developed in the 1950’s, and has been consistently improved upon. Initially solar panels were mainly used by NASA, so the fundamentals are strong enough to support satellites and astronauts.

Solar panels like the ones that will go on your roof are designed, tested in labs and real life to withstand rain, snow, hail, wind and of course the sun. The predecessors of modern solar panels made in the 1970’s are still producing power. Today’s panels also benefit from 60+ years of development and improvement!

Bottom line: All panels are guaranteed to be producing power in 25-years, and most installers will offer a 10-25 warranty on workmanship and a power production guarantee.

Can’t I just get a ball-park price online?

There are indeed some ways that a ‘ball-park’ price can be given through an online tool, however these are often not accurate because no two homes are the same. If you answer 5-10 questions, and you’re guessing at some or all of them, then the answer you get back is going to be very wrong. Reputable solar companies use sophisticated software, years of experience and take into account the complicated utility bill structures, finance options, etc. to give you a customized proposal that is specifically tailored to your home.

Given the complexity, wouldn’t you rather have an expert’s opinion? We recommend speaking with a couple of installers to make sure that you understand your options. All good solar companies will happily take the time to answer your questions.

What’s best place to get solar panels?

You may be surprised to learn that some states – not especially known for the amount of sun they get – have the best payback rates for solar panels due to the presence of local incentives.

Solar panels don’t necessarily work better in sunnier areas (hotter panels can be less efficient). The largest factors in determining the payback of a solar array is the cost of electricity in your area and the presence of incentives, tax credits, or other programs designed to make solar more affordable.

Is my roof suited for solar?

About 60% of roofs are suitable for solar. If your roof is not suitable, you might be able to place the solar installation elsewhere on your property.

There are many variables in determining if a roof is suitable for a solar system, but the three main ones are: orientation, shading and roof condition.

Orientation: your roof should be facing South, West or East.

Shading: solar panels need direct sunlight for best performance, but some shade during parts of the day is OK.

Roof structure and condition can be hard to assess, but generally speaking if your roof is in good condition and your home is less that 25 years old you should be fine.

On average, you’ll need at least 300-500 square feet of roof space that is facing the correct direction, gets good sunlight and is in good condition.Complex roofs may require a more custom design, however current micro-inverter technology should allow for a successful design and installation. A qualified installer will be able to help you with the specifics of this.

If I have solar panels installed how will this affect my roof?

Current solar mounting hardware and techniques should cause no more harm or risk to your roof than any other ventilation duct or roof penetration.

You can ask local installers: ‘what is your method of waterproofing any penetrations you make?’

Do I need to have the roof renewed before the solar panels go on?

When you install a solar array it does add quite a bit of equipment on top of the roof: the entire scaffolding for the panels, wiring, etc. This means that any roofing projects should be taken care of before the panels go up, if possible.

How will solar affect the aesthetics of my roof?

Having solar panels installed raises the value of your home, saves you money, and gives a modern look to your house.

The effect of the installation to the roof is minimal and when installed, panels don’t create noise, not even in windy conditions.

Besides the traditional blue color, there is a possibility to choose black panels for those who desire an appealing technological look while maximizing efficiency.

Isn’t solar expensive? How much do solar panels cost?

In a word: no. Solar is quickly becoming mainstream technology and over the last 7-years or so, the price of solar panels has fallen by 80%! The biggest benefit of solar is that you can lock in years of predictable and affordable power (the sun’s energy is free after all), and the biggest hurdle has been costly equipment.

With the dropping prices, more efficient permitting and installation processes plus innovations in financing – solar is more affordable than ever.

Are prices going to drop quickly in the near future? Is it better to wait?

While it is likely that prices will continue to decline slowly, a much bigger impact on the final price you pay are the incentives. The biggest and most effective incentive is currently available only until the end of 2019.

So, how do I save money with solar?

Thought you’d never ask! The main savings from installing solar is replacing your expensive and volatile electricity bill with a new source of more stable and cheaper power. Your power bill is rising each year (and sometimes by large amounts!), and most estimates calculate that your bill will be 2-3x more expensive in 20-years. So when you install solar you are signing up for cheaper power for a 20-year period. You are eligible to receive incentives to help reduce the initial cost (see below) and then solar power off-sets the bulk of your utility bill.

This off-set is known as “Net-Metering.” You receive a credit for power produced from solar, typically during the day when prices are high. Then at night, when we are using most of the electricity you are charged normal retail rates. During the course of the year you will average out that your credit offsets the most expensive parts of your bill – saving you money!

What about my home value? Will solar have a negative or positive effect?

This is a great question, and definitely a concern for most homeowners that go solar. There are two sides to this question:

– Firstly you’ll want to make sure that you go solar with an experienced and reputable company that will properly install the solar panels on your roof. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Solar installations do not cause any long-term damage to your roof when properly installed.

– Secondly, now that we know the solar will be properly installed, there have been many studies, by the National Appraisal Institute, Wells Fargo and Lawrence Berkeley National Labs that suggest solar adds significant value to a home – often the added value in equity is more than the cost of installing solar in the first place!

So in simple terms, solar increases the value of your home and can help reduce the time to sell your home.

When does the Federal Tax Credit for solar panels expire?

The 30% solar ITC (Federal or Investment Tax Credit) has been extended till the end of 2019!

The ITC will now continue at 30% until the end of 2019 for both homeowners and businesses, and then step down to 26% in 2020, then 22% in 2021, then finally phasing out completely in January 2022. The ITC is essentially a 30% discount on the cost of going solar.

Is a solar lease a good idea?

Like everything else in solar, it depends on you circumstances – credit score, available cash, size of solar array, and the specific financing options available to you.

It also depends on whether you want to save more money now or over the lifetime of the system. Buying outright can earn you a lot more if you’re willing to wait for it, but both options will save you money.

What incentives are available for me?

There are three major types of incentives: Federal, State and Utility/Local:

– The main Federal incentive in the 30% Investment Tax Credit. If you lease your solar system, this is factored into your lease payments, so you take advantage of the savings from day one. If you own your system, then 30% of the value of the system will be credited as a tax incentive (e.g. you system has a value of $30,000, then you will receive a $9,000 tax credit, which means you must have at least that much eligible tax liability after all of your other deductions!* Speak with your accountant to understand how this could benefit you and if you qualify.)

– State incentives vary from up front rebates to additional tax incentives. Currently many states offers both up front incentives and additional tax incentives.
– Some Utilities, Counties or Cities offer rebates as well. This will vary greatly from region to region, so it’s best to ask your local installer, although there is some information here.

What financing options are available (lease, loan)? Should I lease (or use a PPA) or buy my solar system?

Ah, to lease or buy a solar system – this is a great debate. Ultimately both have their pros and cons, and here we try to break this down for you. If you choose to own a system, it will likely require $20,000 – $50,000 up front (you’ll get 30% back as a tax credit on the current tax year) and you may have more long-term financial benefits, but the risk and cost are yours to manage. With leasing a system you will have more immediate benefits, including immediate savings and no maintenance worries, but you will forgo some of the long-term financial benefits of ownership.

Purchase Option

OWN/SOLAR LOAN: If you can afford to a own a system (either cash or loan) and your simple-payback is shorter than the period of workmanship warranty, and you don’t mind concerning yourself with maintenance issues, then ownership might be a good option.

LEASE / SOLAR PPA: If you like the idea of 15-30% savings on your electricity costs for years to come without the risk or complications of ownership, or you don’t want to invest the money or don’t have the tax liability, then leasing might be a good option.

BOTTOM LINE: Most reputable installers will be able to talk through a couple of solar financing options with you, so you can see in more specific details the cost-benefits of both models.

How do I know if I qualify for a lease program?

There are four general requirements for a lease program, and there may be some specific requirements from your local utility that you will need to clarify with your local installer. That being said, generally speaking:

– Typically you must have an average electricity bill of $100 or more.

– You must own your home, and plan on living there for at least 2 more years.

– You must have good to excellent credit. Most programs require a FICO score of at least 650.

And of course you have to want to go solar!

Can you confirm that I would not need to put any money down to go solar?

In many of the above states with Leasing or PPA programs, it is very likely that you will be able to go solar with $0 down. You will need to speak with a solar installer to confirm this.

What should my monthly Solar Lease or PPA payment be?

Roughly speaking, most people see about a 15-30% savings per month on average as compared with their electricity bill. This amounts to an average of roughly $40 in savings per month.

What happens after a solar lease or PPA agreement ends?

Great question. Most providers offer essentially the same three options:

– You can buy the system at ‘fair market price’, which would theoretically be pretty low at that point.

– You can have the system removed by the original installation company

– You can extend the term of the lease period.

Should I wait for better technology?

It’s always nice to think of a ‘silver bullet’ technology, or massive short-term improvement, but solar technology is actually pretty established (and boring), so massive changes in the short-term are unlikely.

The cost and efficiency improvements are incremental, and mainly do to small efficiency gains and manufacturing improvements.

After all, there are lots of PhD’s in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and Industrial Design working on this all the time!

Add to that – your technology has to stand the test of time, so any ‘revolutionary’ new technology will have to be proven before you want to take the chance on it.

Solar panels are already revolutionary technology that is ‘better technology.’

Does solar work on cloudy days? What about cold or snowy days?

Solar panels do require sunlight to make energy, however with light or intermittent clouds, your system will continue to produce energy. If there are thick, dark clouds, your system might still produce energy, but it may also temporarily shut down and automatically turn on when their is adequate sunlight.

Solar energy has been massively adopted in Germany (not your sunny vacation destination) and also US states like New York and Massachusetts (even more than Florida!).

Solar energy works great when there are cold or crisp sunny days. Of course, there are fewer hours of sunlight in the winter, but winter can be just fine for producing solar energy.

Which brings us to the question of snow. Snow does affect solar production when the panels are totally covered, however there are two factors that make this only a minor issue:

1. Most installations are installed at an angle, so the snow will melt and slide off.

2. Because the solar panels are dark, and snow actually allows a lot of light to pass through it, the snow will melt quickly off your panels (think about how a sunny patch of your driveway or the road is quickly free of snow.

What are the most efficient solar panels?

All solar panels that will be offered to you work in essentially the same way: they all convert the sun’s rays directly into DC power. Solar panels consistently make small improvements in efficiency, but the biggest benefit of solar technology is that it’s time-tested and proven; that the technology lasts and continues to produce power for 25 years at least.

There are three main categories of Solar PV panels (or modules):

1. Mono-Crystalline: These are the most ‘efficient’ at turning sunlight into energy. These panels will require the least amount of roof area required to produce 1000 kWh. They are often a darker blue, and are also typically used to produce the effect of an ‘all black’ solar panel. They are also the most expensive.

2. Poly-Crystalline: These panels are very similar to Mono-Crystalline panels in their basic form, but are slightly less efficient. The cells are often a brighter blue, and may appear more ‘speckled’, although they are also often available with a black frame or black background (technical term ‘back-sheet’). These are the most widely used solar panels as they have a good blend of efficiency and affordability. They are less expensive than mono-crystalline panels.

3. Thin-film: These panels are often not made with silicon wafers, but made by applying a very, very thin layer of a special ‘paint’ of very fine particles of specific metals. This technology is the relative ‘new-comer’ on the block and has the benefit of a very even coloring. Often the cost of the panel is the lowest, but the most amount of roof space is required and sometimes installation labor can offset the savings. These panels have some additional benefits, but are least widely used in residential applications because they require more roof area.

Should I buy American made solar panels?

This is a great and relevant question and topic. Solar, like many of industries, has become a truly global industry, and like many other manufacturing industries, China has taken a general ‘lead’ in terms of volume of products manufactured. Take a look at your phone, your computer, your clothes, etc. So, while I support the growth of the American economy as much as anyone, it’s difficult to say that you should purchase American made solar panels.

In terms of job creation, installing solar and helping your friends go solar will create far more jobs than simply purchasing American made solar panels – so that’s the good news!

Then there is the complication of how solar panels are made and understanding global corporations. Some companies used to manufacture a small percentage of their product in the USA, but were Chinese corporations. There are “American” companies, with headquarters in the USA that manufacture in Asia. There are German companies that manufacture in the USA.

Ultimately whether you decide to purchase American Made solar panels or solar panels manufactured elsewhere in Asia, you can rest assured that your decision to go solar has a positive impact on American job growth! Plus you’ll benefit financially, create a cleaner, safer and more robust energy system for the whole country, contribute to cleaner air for your children and community… the list goes on!

Will I be ‘off the grid’?

Ah the image of the cabin in the woods with a solar panel! This is what most people think of when they think of going solar.

You will most likely be installing what is called a “grid-connected” solar system, so no you will not be “off the grid.” This means that you will continue to draw power from the power lines at night, but during the day you will use your solar power, or “spin the meter backwards” and you will get a credit for what you produce that offsets the cost of buying electricity at night. This is called net-metering.

What is net metering?

Net-metering is one of the most important concepts of saving you money with solar panels. The basic concept is that your energy meter looks at the ‘total net production/consumption.’ So you will receive a credit for all the energy you produce from your solar panels that you don’t use (think during the day, solar panels are making electricity, but no one is home (and the lights are off, right?)). Then at night, when everyone is home, the lights are on, etc. you will be charged for the power you use. So you get a credit during the day, and you use that credit to offset the power that you purchase at night. That’s the basics: charged for power you use – credit for power you produce = total amount you own. And that accounting process is called “net-metering.”

Do I need batteries for storage?

No, you will not need batteries for storage. However, as the price of batteries comes down, and their benefits are better understood, batteries will likely become a more affordable and mainstream technology. So go solar now, and add batteries later!

Caveat: if you live in an area with frequent blackouts, or having power is critical, you can speak with your local installer about battery back-up systems. Batteries do add a significant cost in materials, installation and ultimately maintenance, so you’ll want to be sure about your options.

Will my solar work if the power goes out?

No, your solar system will shut off automatically if the power goes out to protect maintenance crews that might be working to fix the problem. If power goes out regularly in your area, you can discuss options with your solar installer, as there are ways to add batteries and specific products that can help you have at least some basic power during power outages.

Do I need a battery backup system for my solar panels?

Short answer: probably not.

Most solar arrays are grid-tied meaning they have no batteries and simply feed energy into and out of the grid.

What happens if it snows on my solar panels?

Great question. Obviously any physical obstruction to light is going to keep solar panels from producing electricity, and one important thing to keep in mind is that if one panel in a solar array is significantly covered with snow or debris, then it compromises the output of the entire system (think Christmas lights). This can be circumvented with panels that carry their own microinverters, but that’s another topic.

Why would I want a phone call from a solar installer?

There’s only one way to know if solar will work for you: get an estimate from a professional. The reason is that each system is unique, and the costs of installation depend on your geographic location, incentives, roof shade, among other factors.

We’re big fans of having options and our goal is to get you at least a few different solar quotes to evaluate. Once you have a few proposals you can decide which one is right for you.

We feel that solar panels are the next refrigerator: at some point we’ll wonder how we lived without them. As solar becomes cheaper than traditional electricity in the US and other parts of the world, this trend will only become more obvious.

How do I get a solar quote?

We’d love to help! Click the button below and fill out the signup form and we’ll get you started.

By filling out the signup form on the site we’ll help you get in touch with solar installers in your area who can answer questions and provide a specific estimate. Our goal is to get several estimates in your hand that you can use to compare options. With a little additional research you should be able to determine the best solution for your needs.

What happens if I move?

Great question, as we know now that solar leases last around 20 years, and solar panels at least 25 years… and there is a good chance we’ll move in the next 20-years!

Of course each market will be slightly different, and it depends if you own or lease, but here’s the simplistic answer:

If you lease your system, you have a couple of options:

– Your buyer will need to assume your lease, although if this is still a good option for them, as it likely will be, they will be interested in assuming the lease.

– You can also buy-out your lease from the provider at that point, and this should increase the sale price of your home.

If you own your home, it’s pretty simple:

– Solar installs increase the value of homes and reduce the time on market. So as long as your solar system is in good shape, this should make it easier and more profitable to sell your home.

Of course you will hear horror stories of things gone wrong in selling a home with a solar lease or solar panels. However, if you have a marketable home and reasonable sales expectations and a good real estate broker, solar will be an asset, not a deterrent. This is the case in the vast majority of home sales. What is certain is that you will need to be aware of the solar, just as you would be prepared about questions regarding a pool or a recent remodel.

Buy or lease solar panels? What are your options?

Solar energy is becoming one of the fastest growing and most trusted energy sources in the United States. The CEO of Duke Energy, one of the country’s largest Utilities recently commented: “If the cost of solar panels keeps coming down, installation costs come down and if they combine solar with battery technology and a power management system, then we have someone just using us for backup,”.

What is even more promising is that the costs of solar is coming down and that solar financing options are better than ever. Solar power is now an affordable and solid investment. The technology is proven. The returns are real. And freedom from utility bills is possible.

Many people are confronted with the question of how to finance solar, “Should I lease or buy a solar system?”

Here are some questions to consider:

OK, how do I know if I should buy solar panels?

Here are some basic tips that will help you determine if solar is worth looking into. First off – you have to own your home. Then – do you pay more than $100/month in electricity bills? Do you have air conditioning? Do you have a pool? Do you have more than one refrigerator? Do you live in CA, HI, AZ, NV, MA, NJ, NY, CT, MD, DC, MO, CO, NC?

If you answered yes to more than two of these questions, chances are solar can save you money.

First question: Should I Lease or Buy Solar Panels?

A solar lease works much like any other lease.

To start with, you enter into a lease agreement and pay a fixed monthly price for using the solar equipment owned by a solar company. So you just use the equipment to harness solar power while someone else owns and maintains it. Proper maintenance of solar panel is an overhead for users, but timely maintenance is highly necessary to bring down the cost of solar energy produced over a period. In the case of solar lease, a leasing company takes care of maintenance of solar equipment and you just don’t have to undergo this overhead.

Additionally, by entering into a long-term contract, your monthly solar energy bill is designed to be much lower than your monthly electricity bill, with little or no up front cost. So leasing a solar panel can be a better option if you don’t have a huge amount of money for a cash purchase. The big considerations here are 1) making sure you sign a deal with the right company and 2) the fact that over the long run, buying vs leasing is going to save you a lot more money.

Solar power purchase agreement (PPA) vs lease:

Both solar lease and solar power purchase work more or less the same. In the case of solar power purchase, someone owns and maintains a solar system on your property and you pay for the solar energy it produces. When you choose to buy solar power, you can go for a prepaid plan or pay a fixed monthly amount regularly. Prepaid option is nothing but paying upfront for all the power you need for a certain period for a pre-negotiated rate. Since the payment is done in advance, the average monthly rate can be less than what you pay in a solar lease.

When you have optimal energy needs, solar lease is the best choice, and when you need regular supply of huge amount of energy, it is better to purchase solar energy. In both the cases, a leasing provider is the one who manages the Solar Renewable Energy Credits, but you can use those credits in your contract agreement to bring down the cost even further.

I like the idea of buying solar vs leasing, but I’m not interested in the technical side of things…

Leasing a solar system is a very user-friendly and easy way to get solar on your home. With a decent credit score and electricity bills from the past 12 months, you are more than ready to get outfitted with a system. What’s more, the installation company will often offer such a system with no money down and you can start saving on your electricity bill right away!

I’m not sure how long I will own my home. Is leasing solar still a good idea?

If you plan on owning your home for a long time, the answer may well be that it is better to own your system. If a qualified installer builds a quality system, your home will be running relatively maintenance free for a long time on solar energy. Solar panels are rated to function at a high-efficiency for over 25 years – and panels have been producing energy at some locations for well over that amount of time!

How do I pick the best lease option?

Leasing a solar system is essentially trading your utility company for a solar company. Instead of paying bills to your utility company, you will now pay bills to your solar company – but your bill should be less than your utility bill. The main advantage with a lease is that it’s no money out of pocket, and less worry about long-term reliability. You should consider the reputation and experience of the solar company. You should compare downpayment, if any, and monthly payment amounts. And you should review any exit clauses – what happens if you sell your home?

I’d rather buy solar vs lease, and own the system. What’s the best way to buy a solar power system?

There are two main options for buying solar panels: you can buy them outright with cash or you can use solar loan. Cash is quickest way to go solar, and like all cash investments, if you can afford it, it’s probably the cheapest overall way to go solar. In many cases you will receive rebates or tax incentives that will recoup part of the cash investment within the first year. You will probably be surprised to see a relatively quick return on investment through utility bill savings – as quick as 4 years or less in some cases!

Alternatively there are numerous loan programs that you can use to finance a solar power system. You may be able to take out a home equity line of credit, or you can leverage some of the FHA approved 2nd mortgage programs that allow you to finance your solar power system with a 2nd mortgage. This second option also allows for a balloon payment to be made with any incentives or federal tax credits to quickly lower your monthly payments. Often this approach will yield a net savings from day one and after the term of the 2nd mortgage your system will be producing free, clean energy!

If I choose buying solar panels for my home, how long will they last?

Solar panels have been tested in various conditions for decades and have withstood the test of time. Your solar panels will be warranted to produce 80% as much power in 25 years as they do the first day they are installed on your roof. Solar panels have no moving parts and very low maintenance. There may be a few repairs in 10 years time, but with a few small repairs your system should be generating clean energy for a long long time – and for a good part of that it’ll be free!